How might we help design strategies and policies to strive to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of adequate rental properties that are affordable for the residents of Hamilton? How might we redefine “affordable” in the scope of rental housing?
Context:
Affordable rental falls on the housing continuum between community housing and affordable home ownership. The term “affordable” in the city of Hamilton refers to the rent being no more than 30% of the household’s gross income each month. Affordable rental in the city comes from policies surrounding land-use policies like inclusionary zoning, as opposed to subsidized housing seen in community housing. As the cost of living increases beyond the rise in wages, especially through the pandemic and its continued effects, the city has a need for affordable rental properties for its residents.
Problem:
As the demand for affordable rental increases, so do problems associated with this type of housing. There are gaps in policies that may allow developers in Hamilton to create insufficient and inadequate affordable rental properties; there may not be the appropriate number of affordable rental properties available, and/or the affordable rental properties available may not be large enough, safe, nor sustainable in their infrastructure. There is also the problem of addressing what affordability means and if 30% is a justified quota of income for the residents of Hamilton.
Goals: Community —> affordable rental —> affordable ownership
Gather information about the factors and barriers in transitioning from community to affordable rental to affordable ownership housing
Analyze information to help suggest potential and feasible solutions regarding barriers the residents/tenants of the City of Hamilton are facing during transitions from community to affordable rental to affordable ownership housing
Construct a comprehensive project plan that discusses design, goals, plans, timelines that also addresses continuity and adaptability of project
Communicate and engage with local community members and stakeholders about objectives and expectations of the project to strengthen trust between the community and city officials
Propose possible amendments in policies, regulations, and bylaws to meet the needs of residents who desire to transition from community to affordable rental to affordable ownership housing
Student Team: Anne Tinio, Bianca Magdalinis, Eunice Tunggal, Ivan Kredl, Lucas Holler
Faculty & Course: CityLAB Semester in Residence, Dave Heidebrecht, Darina Vasek, Elizabeth Bang and Randy Kay
